Yes, I get the politics of it. It's not an issue we seem to have to the same extent up here. Aidan is upset because he employs the best vets in Ireland and runs one of the finest training establishments in the world (arguably). He wouldn't run a horse if he didn't think it was fully fit but recognises the inherent risks involved in racing. 

A decent overview herewith ... Likely 24-Horse Melbourne Cup Field 2024: Confirmed Horses & Jockeys - races.com.au

This is my first start.....in horse years probably 8...so yes an "also ran" 1. Flemington R2   5-1-2       Best Bet 2. Flemington R3   6-14-3    3. Flemington R4   2-1-7 4. Flemington R6   5-1-3 5. Flemington R7   3-14-6 6. Flemington R8   6-1-13     Best Bet 7. Flemington R9   3-19-17   8. Rosehill R7         3-2-5 9. Rosehill R8         3-19-16 10. Rosehill R9       2-13-1

The "Future Stars Friday" card at Del Mar offers racing fans a glimpse of the next generation of Thoroughbreds and the gravity of the $2 million grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) extends beyond race day.View the full article

Saffie Joseph Jr. discusses the Breeders' Cup Distaff and his two runners in the race, Honor D Lady and Batucada. The latter eventually was scratched from the race.View the full article

The Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar will be run in accordance with the industry's most comprehensive safety and integrity protocols, developed in conjunction with leading experts in the field.  View the full article

Officials outlined procedures Oct. 30 that have led to increased equine safety and explained why Breeders' Cup provides limited or no health information when horses are announced as scratched or withdrawn for physical reasons.View the full article

And l still have a more positive outlook on things in general than you do. I must add though, that the third-line of cancer treatment l started 2 months ago is - currently at least - working very well, and with way less in the way of side effects to the previous shite. I still have good days and bad days, and really long walks are now a thing of the past with the amounts of steel l now have in both legs, but I've still been able to attend the occasional concert, league game or Motorsport event. I have NO REGERTS for following the advice of the cancer specialist over what you would prescribe. And yes, l do still have hair to blow back 🤣 although there's very little kicking or running 🤣

Its funny I don't remember too much about Mountain Gold with Jim but remember him with Barry . Lyall Creek , Stormy Morn and Special Force I remember them well . When I was with Jim he had Alpine Peaks ( I think maybe related to Mountain Gold ? ) and a trotter called Derna who could have been anything but his feet were so bad it was heartbreaking seeing the pain he used to go through . One night at the Park Even Speed only just go up to beat him in one of the big races .  Yulestar he was such a good horse . I was pissed off when Tony Shaw got the drag from what I thought was a nasty move by the trainers after what he had done for them  . Poor Tony as well getting that serious injury which I believe made him retire from driving 

I use Malwarebytes. Works fine in both countries.

can you recommend one?  

Of course. Same as betting with geoblocked bookies. Use a VPN. Works fine.

https://www.9now.com.au/live/channel-9

Does Channel 9 offer Live Stream option? Cos if they do, Max is all over it!

I'm a starter in the 'also rans' . . . after a less than stellar performance in the qualifying rounds. Best of luck to all the Grand Finalists, whose skills have been exemplary in the lead-up. 1. Flemington R2    5-6-9 2. Flemington R3    1-2-11 3. Flemington R4    2-5-7 4. Flemington R6    1-3-14 5. Flemington R7    1-2-11 6. Flemington R8    4-11-13 7. Flemington R9    3-9-11 8. Rosehill R7         1-3-4 9. Rosehill R8        12-16-19         Best Bet 10. Rosehill R9       1-8-13            Best Bet Thank you so much John and Scooby for a wonderful tournament. It's been a whole lot of fun.

One of Maxi's favourite races of the year. Always fun trying to find a young stayer in the making whose lead-up form may be average but on pedigree and racing style may out-stay the faves...have often found big juicy divvies from exotics and place bets with the wuffies.  Key criteria: staying blood/classic performers esp on the damside. (Going back 2-4 generations) trainer(s) who know how to prepare Derby/Oaks runners formline that suggests the horse settles well (ie doesnt pull its flockin' head off!) and runs on over 1600-2000m trip.

and little Sam Evander , the trotter. little bloke that tried hard we all used to cheer on for Reako. closest he got was 5th to Stormy Morn in the Rowe Cup in a Big race though. Charlie , Did you ever see Mountain Gold go for Jim Smith ?  you were just talking about Barry Purdon earlier . (and also Mountain Haze reminded me of him too)  1999 Jim had his Best horse ever. MOUNTAIN GOLD . and the biggest race of all was at Alex Park , the Interdominion that year. Jim Won a Heat too . Defeating the eventual Grand Final winner ''Special Force' of the Mcgowan's.  Jim tragically hemmed in 3 back the fence and locked in throughout nearly.  Mark Purdon had 1/2 the field in it, and ran placings with Africa and Pride of Petite The Crowning achievement of his (Jim's) career slipped by in a sad moment in a way. Jim had a Huge Chance to retire on a huge Win. But Jim had a NZ record money offer from Barry Purdon after . $150,000 . for Barry's clients of a group of galloping blokes including Sir Patrick Hogan. I hoped he wouldn't take it as the Interdominion at Moonee Valley in 2000 was going to be for an Incredible 1/2 mill prize ($300k to the winner) but Barry purchased him. Mountain Gold (Rocky I think they called him) made that final at Moonee Valley , but a young upstart from the South Island had turned up . LYELL CREEK 🤣 . so Ant's Butt took the win for trainer brother Tim and pocketed the $300k . Mountain Gold  (and Special Force) unplaced.  Come 2001 and the Interdominion was here in BrisVegas (the Ashvegas equal lol)  and Yulestar from the North Island won the Grand Final for Pacers. could MOUNTAIN GOLD win for the NI  in the trot Final ?. But not meant to be for Barry . (This trotting series was only a much cheaper $200k as well)   Mountain Gold off 30m handicap  finished 2nd for Barry, defeated by Ant's and Tim Butt again 😎 , with TAKE A MOMENT (20m) this time) with Special Force (30m) 3rd.   I remember it well as was squashed in the Massive crowd. Margins were about 1 length by 6 lengths as the locals were pretty shit compared to the strong kiwi trotters, got a few bob of the trifecta.  NZ had Won All the Interdominion Trots of the 90's . 10 straight . and were getting even better into the 2000's . with Lyell Creek and that. 🏆👍 Actually feels very Surreal now that JUST BELIEVE is winning everything (including in NZ ) past couple of years as an Oz trotter has never done that to NZ previously for a Very Long time in Big Trots. Scotch Notch in the 80's was the last really Top Oz trotter to win in NZ. Just Believe might pop over for the Dominion H'cap soon?. a real 'gift' for him with No handicap FFA conditions . should be 30m behind really.    

I guess Grey Way was one dimensional too.  Idiot.

Are you thick? You were the one saying on your site that it was probably a Heavy 8 before Race 1. You can't have it both ways champ.